NPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94Arts and cultureNPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94Fri, 09 Dec 2016 14:59:45 +0000http://michiganradio.org
Stateside StaffIf you wandered past any landmarks or took a stroll through a public park this summer, you may have noticed a lot more foot traffic than usual. But instead of walking and talking together, these large groups of new guests basically just sit around and stare at their smartphones. Yes, " Pokémon GO " players are everywhere. For many, the game has become a core part of day-to-day life. Alexander Weinstein 's new book of short stories takes the idea to the extreme, exploring a future full of dangerously immersive virtual reality games.Writer imagines future consumed by technology, warns us to "put the brakes on"http://michiganradio.org/post/writer-imagines-future-consumed-technology-warns-us-put-brakes
27908 as http://michiganradio.orgThu, 08 Dec 2016 18:17:42 +0000Writer imagines future consumed by technology, warns us to "put the brakes on"Stateside StaffThis year marks the 40th anniversary of East Village Magazine . The nonprofit magazine has been bringing community news to people in Flint since 1976, a labor of love for its founder, the late Gary Custer. East Village Magazine has hung in there to become one of the nation's oldest community media outlets.Flint has one of nation's oldest community media outletshttp://michiganradio.org/post/flint-has-one-nations-oldest-community-media-outlets
28052 as http://michiganradio.orgWed, 07 Dec 2016 20:19:17 +0000Flint has one of nation's oldest community media outletsStateside StaffMichigan boasts an exceptionally rich mix of folk, ethnic and immigrant music, and it goes back centuries. Music professor Lester Monts wanted to capture that rich tapestry, so he spearheaded the Michigan Musical Heritage Project.Michiganders are from everywhere, so what is Michigan music?http://michiganradio.org/post/michiganders-are-everywhere-so-what-michigan-music
27741 as http://michiganradio.orgTue, 06 Dec 2016 21:23:21 +0000Michiganders are from everywhere, so what is Michigan music?Ryan GrimesThe Magic Flute is one of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s most famous works. There’s a good chance you know the piece, but what you might not know is that Mozart finished and premiered the opera in the very final months of his life. Mozart died 225 years ago today. He was only 35. The cause of Mozart’s death is a medical question that has endured as long as his music.225 years ago today, Mozart died. We’re still not sure how.http://michiganradio.org/post/225-years-ago-today-mozart-died-we-re-still-not-sure-how
29086 as http://michiganradio.orgMon, 05 Dec 2016 22:58:56 +0000225 years ago today, Mozart died. We’re still not sure how.Stateside StaffOne of the core elements of your identity is your accent. But we here in the Midwest have a tendency to believe we don't have an accent. Writer Edward McClelland proves otherwise in his new book How to Speak Midwestern . McClelland sat down with us today to talk about what makes the Midwestern accent so distinct.“If you want to speak Midwestern, pretend the lower half of your jaw doesn’t exist,” writer sayshttp://michiganradio.org/post/if-you-want-speak-midwestern-pretend-lower-half-your-jaw-doesn-t-exist-writer-says
29087 as http://michiganradio.orgMon, 05 Dec 2016 22:45:14 +0000“If you want to speak Midwestern, pretend the lower half of your jaw doesn’t exist,” writer saysDespite the diligent tutelage of our Speak and Spells , there are plenty of spellings that continue to elude us. However, while we sometimes complain about the vagaries of English spelling, would we actually change the spelling of any of the words? University of Michigan English professor Anne Curzan recently put the question to her students, who decided they would change up “supersede.” Obviously, since it’s already typed out here on the page, we can’t really ask you how you think “supersede” is spelled. Be honest though, when you saw it, did it look strange to you?Those pesky mispellings ... er, misspellingshttp://michiganradio.org/post/those-pesky-mispellings-er-misspellings
29075 as http://michiganradio.orgSun, 04 Dec 2016 19:02:17 +0000Those pesky mispellings ... er, misspellingsRyan GrimesThe election of Donald Trump worries a lot of people. Some women, immigrants, and Muslims are wondering if Trump’s presidency will be anything like his campaign rallies, and what that might mean for their lives.Arab-American comedian hosting laugh-fest this weekend, "hopefully before Trump deports us all"http://michiganradio.org/post/arab-american-comedian-hosting-laugh-fest-weekend-hopefully-trump-deports-us-all
29060 as http://michiganradio.orgFri, 02 Dec 2016 21:03:19 +0000Arab-American comedian hosting laugh-fest this weekend, "hopefully before Trump deports us all"Stateside StaffAfter college graduation, Traverse City native and musician Benjaman James had a big decision to make: get a job that pays the bills, or pursue a career in music. Benjaman got a degree from Michigan State University’s college of engineering. After graduation he started the band “Old Mission Collective.” As the group continued to gain traction, members came and went, but he says he became the only common member in the band. So he decided to go solo. Now, Benjaman James is out with a new EP titled “Growing Pains" out December 3. For details about Benjaman James CD release party at the Rare Bird in Traverse City go here .Traverse City musician Benjaman James sings about "Growing Pains" in new EPhttp://michiganradio.org/post/traverse-city-musician-benjaman-james-sings-about-growing-pains-new-ep
29062 as http://michiganradio.orgFri, 02 Dec 2016 20:57:18 +0000Traverse City musician Benjaman James sings about "Growing Pains" in new EPLester GrahamDecember 5 is Repeal Day. “Repeal Day is sort of an invented holiday,” explained Tammy Coxen of Tammy’s Tastings. In recent years, bars, brew houses, and the drinking public have embraced the repeal of the 18 th Amendment, which brought in the era of Prohibition. On December 5, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the 21 st Amendment, doing away with Prohibition. He famously said, “What America needs now is a drink.” “FDR was a big fan of the martini,” Coxen said. “He would make these for guests that were visiting the White House and so we’re going to make an FDR-style martini.” Martinis should be drunk while they are very cold, so it's better to make a small one and then a second if you want more! Martini 1.5 oz gin .5 oz dry vermouth Garnish: lemon twist or olive Combine all ingredients in mixing glass with ice. Stir very well until very cold. Strain into cocktail glass, garnish with a lemon twist or olive as you prefer. A dash of orange bitters is a nice addition. There’s aCheers! FDR's martini for Repeal Dayhttp://michiganradio.org/post/cheers-fdrs-martini-repeal-day
29041 as http://michiganradio.orgFri, 02 Dec 2016 20:15:00 +0000Cheers! FDR's martini for Repeal DayStateside StaffIt’s been nearly ten years since Peter Ho Davies came out with his first novel, The Welsh Girl . It was long-listed for the 2007 Man Booker Prize. Now, Davies is out with his second novel: The Fortunes . He offers four linked stories that explore what it means to be Chinese in America over the past century and a half. Three of the stories are built around people and events that actually happened.New story collection explores what it means to be an outsider in America http://michiganradio.org/post/new-story-collection-explores-what-it-means-be-outsider-america
29039 as http://michiganradio.orgThu, 01 Dec 2016 22:57:46 +0000New story collection explores what it means to be an outsider in America Stateside StaffWe take a look at what to expect from the lame-duck session, which begins today in the Michigan legislature, and we hear from Michigan's own Tony-award winning playwright and co-founder of theater group Five Lesbian Brothers.Stateside 11.29.2016http://michiganradio.org/post/stateside-11292016
29012 as http://michiganradio.orgWed, 30 Nov 2016 12:59:08 +0000Stateside 11.29.2016Stateside StaffIt’s holiday music for people who maybe aren’t really feeling the holiday spirit. May Erlewine is getting ready to drop her new EP The Little Things with a tour of winter dance parties all around the state. The EP’s full of holiday music that works for everyone, but is especially good for anyone who’s having a hard time grooving with the “tidings of comfort and joy” of traditional holiday tunes.To combat holiday blues, Michigan musician drops EP with Winter Dance Party tourhttp://michiganradio.org/post/combat-holiday-blues-michigan-musician-drops-ep-winter-dance-party-tour
29004 as http://michiganradio.orgTue, 29 Nov 2016 21:33:43 +0000To combat holiday blues, Michigan musician drops EP with Winter Dance Party tourStateside StaffThe Tony-award winning musical Fun Home opens tonight at Detroit's Fisher Theatre for a two-week run. Fun Home was adapted from Alison Bechdel's graphic novel, telling the story of her relationship with her gay dad and coming to terms with her own identity as a lesbian. The musical got a very warm welcome when it finally got to Broadway. It was nominated for 12 Tony Awards and the show won five of them. A few of those Tonys went to Michigan native Lisa Kron . She grew up in Lansing and is a playwright, actor and co-founder of the theater group Five Lesbian Brothers.Michigan native brings Tony-award winning “Fun Home” homehttp://michiganradio.org/post/michigan-native-brings-tony-award-winning-fun-home-home
29006 as http://michiganradio.orgTue, 29 Nov 2016 21:17:16 +0000Michigan native brings Tony-award winning “Fun Home” homeRyan GrimesAfter a 37-year run, Diane Rehm is retiring. She’d served notice to her legions of loyal listeners that she would see out the election and then step away from The Diane Rehm Show . Much as Garrison Keillor hand-picked his successor Chris Theil for A Prairie Home Companion , Rehm personally selected her own: radio journalist Joshua Johnson . Johnson sat down with us today to talk about how he plans to follow in Rehm’s shoes and what he plans to do with his new show, 1A .Getting to know Diane Rehm's successor, Joshua Johnsonhttp://michiganradio.org/post/getting-know-diane-rehms-successor-joshua-johnson
28989 as http://michiganradio.orgMon, 28 Nov 2016 22:36:31 +0000Getting to know Diane Rehm's successor, Joshua JohnsonWhen to use “who” and when to use “whom” is one of those grammar conundrums that just won't die. Once you learn the rule, it’s not too hard to distinguish between the two. “Who” is the subject that does an action, while “whom”is the object that receives an action. For example, “who” speaks to “whom.” Pretty simple, right? Unfortunately, learning the rule doesn’t mean you’ll escape tricky cases.The epic saga of who vs. whomhttp://michiganradio.org/post/epic-saga-who-vs-whom
28978 as http://michiganradio.orgSun, 27 Nov 2016 18:39:47 +0000The epic saga of who vs. whomJoan DonaldsonMichigan Bookmark is a series that features Michigan authors reviewing Michigan books. On July 8, 1850, with a crimson robe and a paper crown, James Jesse Strang was crowned King of Beaver Island. His coronation completed his youthful ambition to enter into royalty, but it would also result in his assassination. In Don Faber’s well-researched book, James Jesse Strang: The Rise and Fall of Michigan’s Mormon King , the author declared that he wanted to present “the historical Strang, stripped of myth, demonization, and popular fancy.” Michigan history aficionados, and folks who love Beaver Island, will appreciate how Faber reveals Strang as a complex character whom some view as a prophet and others as a charlatan. One of the biography’s greatest strengths is that Faber explains the cultural background of the early 1800’s and how it influenced Strang. During this period of political and social change, Strang experienced the energy of Protestant camp meetings, and read about the UtopianMichigan Bookmark: New bio reveals "The Rise and Fall of Michigan's Mormon King"http://michiganradio.org/post/michigan-bookmark-new-bio-reveals-rise-and-fall-michigans-mormon-king
28945 as http://michiganradio.orgWed, 23 Nov 2016 21:12:05 +0000Michigan Bookmark: New bio reveals "The Rise and Fall of Michigan's Mormon King"Stateside StaffWe all fail sometimes. No exceptions. It's often hard to admit, but failure is an essential part of the human experience. That's what Failure:Lab is all about.On Failure:Lab, Michigan writer discusses something bigger than cancer or divorcehttp://michiganradio.org/post/failurelab-michigan-writer-discusses-something-bigger-cancer-or-divorce
28934 as http://michiganradio.orgTue, 22 Nov 2016 21:50:08 +0000On Failure:Lab, Michigan writer discusses something bigger than cancer or divorceLindsey SmithA team of eight community partners, including Grand Rapids Public Schools, health providers, and artistic groups are working together on a big project in Grand Rapids’ Roosevelt Park neighborhood. The group of organizations, along with help from the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association, are taking five acres of blighted properties and transforming them into new mixed-income homes and apartments, a public high school, and a community center. “But doing so intentionally with the neighbors and their voices and their visions and tapping into their wisdom to create the future of their neighborhood,” Habitat for Humanity Kent County CEO BriAnne McKee said. She says they came up with the idea three years ago, after deciding to not only study how Habitat homes can help new homeowners, but the neighborhoods they move into. Roosevelt Park is a mostly working class Latino section of the city, with many generations of families living in the same neighborhood. The two-city-block area, now dubbedFive-acre plot in Grand Rapids once used in ArtPrize exhibit getting a big makeoverhttp://michiganradio.org/post/five-acre-plot-grand-rapids-once-used-artprize-exhibit-getting-big-makeover
28925 as http://michiganradio.orgTue, 22 Nov 2016 12:27:37 +0000Five-acre plot in Grand Rapids once used in ArtPrize exhibit getting a big makeoverStateside StaffYou may not know her name, but it’s a good bet you know her work. Valerie Graves has worked in the creative departments at the nation’s leading advertising firms. She’s been creative director for top Fortune 500 accounts like General Motors, Ford, Burger King, AT&T, Pepsi and more. She’s been a top executive for Motown Records, and she was creative consultant to President Bill Clinton. Advertising Age named her one of the “100 Best and Brightest” in the industry.Once a teen mom, pioneering ad executive reflects on overcoming bias in corporate Americahttp://michiganradio.org/post/once-teen-mom-pioneering-ad-executive-reflects-overcoming-bias-corporate-america
28915 as http://michiganradio.orgMon, 21 Nov 2016 22:12:32 +0000Once a teen mom, pioneering ad executive reflects on overcoming bias in corporate AmericaStateside StaffThere's an app for just about everything. Proof of that is Honour Water . It's a new app that teaches you Anishinaabe songs about water. Anishinaabe is the name used by native tribes including the Odawa, Ojibwe, Potawatomi and Alquonquin peoples.Honour Water game teaches Anishinaabe songs about waterhttp://michiganradio.org/post/honour-water-game-teaches-anishinaabe-songs-about-water
28917 as http://michiganradio.orgMon, 21 Nov 2016 22:00:13 +0000Honour Water game teaches Anishinaabe songs about water